During the Mancommunity period in the early 20th century, the Empordà was a point of reference in Catalan poultry farming, and many shows and competitions were held here. The Empordanese Aperdiuada hen –a minority breed that lays peculiar dark, speckled eggs– almost became extinct during the Civil War. Fortunately, some specimens survived on a farm in Castelló d'Empúries, which led to the recovery of this special breed.